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Hoynes K, Holland AE, Bryan AL, Kupferman CA, Beasley JC. Trace elements and heavy metals in black vultures (Coragyps atratus) and turkey vultures (Cathartes aura) in the southeastern United States. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:9000-9010. [PMID: 38183546 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-31722-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
Many vulture species worldwide are declining at alarming rates due to a variety of anthropogenic causes, including exposure to pollutants and pharmaceuticals through consumption of contaminated carrion. However, little is known about the extent to which vultures are exposed to various contaminants as well as toxicity thresholds for trace elements and heavy metals. Our objective was to quantify levels of trace elements and heavy metals within black vulture (Coragyps atratus) and turkey vulture (Cathartes aura) tissues to determine the extent to which populations in the Southeastern United States are exposed to carrion that contains high levels of contaminants. We collected 34 black vulture liver samples and examined differences in trace element and heavy metal concentrations between sexes and age classes (adult and juvenile). Further, we collected 81 blood and 42 feather samples from additional black and turkey vultures and compared differences between species and age classes. We found similar element concentrations between juvenile and adult black vultures with the exception of Cu, where levels were higher in juveniles compared to adults. However, we did observe substantial differences in element concentrations between species for both blood and feather samples, with black vultures generally having higher concentrations of most elements. Our data revealed higher element levels in both species compared to toxicity thresholds found in other bird of prey species, such as blood and liver toxicity threshold suggestions for Pb poisoning in Falconiformes. Further, while average contaminant levels were generally low, extreme outliers were observed for some elements, including Pb, suggesting some individuals were exposed to high levels of potentially toxic elements. More research is needed to better understand contaminant exposure in black and turkey vultures across a broader geographic region, as well as elucidate toxicity thresholds and non-lethal impacts of contaminant exposure in these species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaleigh Hoynes
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, 180 E. Green St., Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Amanda E Holland
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, 180 E. Green St., Athens, GA, 30602, USA
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, 2369 W. Orton Circle, Suite 50, West Valley City, UT, 84119, USA
| | - Albert L Bryan
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, P.O. Drawer E, Aiken, SC, 29802, USA
| | - Caitlin A Kupferman
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, 180 E. Green St., Athens, GA, 30602, USA.
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, P.O. Drawer E, Aiken, SC, 29802, USA.
| | - James C Beasley
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, 180 E. Green St., Athens, GA, 30602, USA
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, P.O. Drawer E, Aiken, SC, 29802, USA
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O'Callaghan I, Fitzpatrick D, Sullivan T. Thiophilicity is a determinant of bioaccumulation in benthic fauna. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 294:118641. [PMID: 34890745 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.118641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Aquatic contamination can settle into sediments, where it complexes with organic matter and becomes bioavailable. The resulting bioaccumulation of these contaminants by benthic fauna poses a serious threat due to the potential for trophic transfer. This paper offers an insight into the heterogenous accumulation behavior of different elements, and the consequences for ecological risk. In this study, we present field quantification of sediment-associated bioaccumulation factors (BAFS) in freshwater benthic macroinvertebrates. 17 elements were quantified using ICP-MS in sediment and Asellus aquaticus and Gammarus sp. samples. Previously published reports of contaminant concentrations in freshwater and marine sediments and benthic fauna were likewise analyzed to provide a complementary picture of bioaccumulation across contaminants and taxa. We demonstrate that the BAFS correlates strongly with the thiophilicity of the elemental contaminants, as defined by (Kepp, 2016), for all strata examined. These findings support the hypothesis that thiol-mediated processes, such as that of metallothionein, play a larger role in bioaccumulation than typically afforded. In conclusion, we demonstrate the potential for the thiophilic scale to act as a predictor of accumulation potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene O'Callaghan
- School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences, University College Cork, Ireland; School of Chemistry, University College Cork, Ireland.
| | | | - Timothy Sullivan
- School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences, University College Cork, Ireland; Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork, Ireland
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Pouil S, Jones NJ, Smith JG, Mandal S, Griffiths NA, Mathews TJ. Comparing Trace Element Bioaccumulation and Depuration in Snails and Mayfly Nymphs at a Coal Ash-Contaminated Site. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2020; 39:2437-2449. [PMID: 32833245 DOI: 10.1002/etc.4857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 06/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
We examined the bioaccumulation of essential (Cu, Fe, Se, and Zn) and nonessential (As and Hg) trace elements in 2 aquatic invertebrate species (adult snails and mayfly nymphs) with different feeding habits at the site of a coal ash spill. Differences in food web pathway, exposure concentrations, and biological processing affected bioaccumulation patterns in these species. Mayflies had higher body burdens, but snails had higher retention of most elements studied. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:2437-2449. © 2020 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Pouil
- Environmental Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, USA
| | - Nikki J Jones
- Environmental Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, USA
| | - John G Smith
- Environmental Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, USA
| | - Shovon Mandal
- The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), TERI-Deakin Nanobiotechnology Centre, New Delhi, India
| | - Natalie A Griffiths
- Environmental Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, USA
| | - Teresa J Mathews
- Environmental Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, USA
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Fletcher DE, Lindell BE, Lindell AH, Stankus PT, Fletcher ND, McArthur JV, Seaman JC. Basins, beaver ponds, and the storage and redistribution of trace elements in an industrially impacted coastal plain stream on the Savannah River Site, SC, USA. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2019; 133:105174. [PMID: 31627135 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2019.105174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Revised: 09/07/2019] [Accepted: 09/08/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Accumulation of eleven trace elements in sediment was evaluated throughout an industrially disturbed headwater stream on the Savannah River Site, SC, USA. Sampling began at upstream sedimentation basins at the margins of industrial areas, continued longitudinally downstream to a beaver pond representing a potential sink in the mid-reaches, and ended in downstream reaches. Additionally, sediment from beaver impacted areas in another industrially disturbed stream and a reference stream were analyzed to assess the natural tendency of these depositional features to settle out trace elements. We further compared trace element accumulation in sediment and biota from downstream reaches before and after an extreme rainy period to evaluate the potential redistribution of trace elements from sink areas. Trace elements accumulated in the headwater basins from which elements were redistributed to downstream reaches. The mid-reach beaver affected area sediments accumulated elevated concentrations of most analyzed elements compared to the free-flowing stream. The elevated accumulation of organic matter in these sink areas illustrated the effectiveness of reduced water velocity areas to settle out materials. The natural tendency of beaver ponds to accumulate trace elements and organic matter was further illustrated by sediments from the reference beaver pond accumulating higher concentrations of several elements than sediments from the free flowing section the stream impacted by industrial activity. However, concentrations in sediment from sedimentation basins and the beaver impacted area of the disturbed stream were highest. Trace elements and organic matter appeared to be redistributed from the sinks after the record rainy period resulting in increased trace element concentrations in both sediment and biota. These data suggest that assessments of contaminants in stream systems should include such slow-water, extreme depositional zones such as beaver impacted areas or basins to verify what contaminants may be pulsing through the stream.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dean E Fletcher
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, P. O. Drawer E, Aiken, SC 29802, USA.
| | - Brooke E Lindell
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, P. O. Drawer E, Aiken, SC 29802, USA.
| | - Angela H Lindell
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, P. O. Drawer E, Aiken, SC 29802, USA.
| | - Paul T Stankus
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, P. O. Drawer E, Aiken, SC 29802, USA.
| | - Nathaniel D Fletcher
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, P. O. Drawer E, Aiken, SC 29802, USA.
| | - J Vaun McArthur
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, P. O. Drawer E, Aiken, SC 29802, USA.
| | - John C Seaman
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, P. O. Drawer E, Aiken, SC 29802, USA.
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Borchert EJ, Leaphart JC, Bryan AL, Beasley JC. Ecotoxicoparasitology of mercury and trace elements in semi-aquatic mammals and their endoparasite communities. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 679:307-316. [PMID: 31085411 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.04.326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2018] [Revised: 04/21/2019] [Accepted: 04/21/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Many contaminants persist in the environment for decades or more, influencing ecosystem health. Environmental contamination with mercury (Hg) is a particular concern due to its ability to biomagnify in food webs and its lethal and sub-lethal effects in exposed organisms. Despite the known impacts of anthropogenic contamination, there remains a need for data on wildlife exposure to Hg and other contaminants, and the effects of exposure on wildlife health. The objectives of this study were to: 1) quantify differences in concentrations of mercury and other trace elements among three sympatric semiaquatic mammals of different assumed trophic position: North American river otter (Lontra canadensis), raccoon (Procyon lotor), and North American beaver (Castor canadensis), 2) compare trace element concentrations between animals captured on the Savannah River Site (SRS) in South Carolina, USA, where known inputs of Hg and other trace elements have occurred, and reference sites in South Carolina (SC) and Georgia (GA), USA, and 3) investigate the relationship between host trace element concentrations and endoparasite communities. River otters, beavers, and raccoons were sampled from the SRS, SC, and GA to quantify trace element concentrations in liver tissue and quantify endoparasite communities. Both species and sampling location were important factors determining hepatic trace element concentration, however, there was no consistent trend of elevated trace element concentrations among animals sampled on the SRS. Only Hg demonstrated biomagnification based on assumed trophic position, with river otters having the highest Hg concentrations among the sampled species. Additionally, the results suggest a possible relationship between host hepatic mercury concentration and endoparasite abundance, while hepatic selenium concentration may be related to endoparasite diversity. These findings further demonstrate how wildlife can accumulate anthropogenic contamination, although future research is needed to determine the mechanisms contributing to patterns observed between endoparasite communities and the contaminant concentrations of their mammalian hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernest J Borchert
- University of Georgia, Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, P.O. Drawer E, Aiken, SC 29802, USA; University of Georgia, Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
| | - James C Leaphart
- University of Georgia, Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, P.O. Drawer E, Aiken, SC 29802, USA; University of Georgia, Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Albert L Bryan
- University of Georgia, Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, P.O. Drawer E, Aiken, SC 29802, USA
| | - James C Beasley
- University of Georgia, Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, P.O. Drawer E, Aiken, SC 29802, USA; University of Georgia, Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, Athens, GA 30602, USA
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6
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Fletcher DE, Lindell AH, Seaman JC, Stankus PT, Fletcher ND, Barton CD, Biemiller RA, McArthur JV. Sediment and biota trace element distribution in streams disturbed by upland industrial activity. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2019; 38:115-131. [PMID: 30284320 DOI: 10.1002/etc.4287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2018] [Revised: 03/10/2018] [Accepted: 09/29/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Extensive industrial areas in headwater stream watersheds can severely impact the physical condition of streams and introduce contaminants. We compared 3 streams that received stormwater runoff and industrial effluents from industrial complexes to 2 reference streams. Reference streams provide a benchmark of comparison of geomorphic form and stability in coastal plain, sandy-bottomed streams as well as concentrations of trace elements in sediment and biota in the absence of industrial disturbance. We used crayfish (Cambarus latimanus, Procambarus raneyi, Procambarus acutus) and crane fly larvae (Tipula) as biomonitors of 15 trace elements entering aquatic food webs. Streams with industrial areas were more scoured, deeply incised, and less stable. Sediment organic matter content broadly correlated to trace element accumulation, but fine sediments and organic matter were scoured from the bottoms of disturbed streams. Trace element concentrations were higher in depositional zones than runs within all streams. Despite contaminant sources in the headwaters, trace element concentrations were generally not elevated in sediments of the eroded streams. However, element concentrations were frequently elevated in biota from these streams with taxonomic differences in accumulation amplified. In eroded, sand-bottomed coastal plain streams with unstable sediments, single snapshots of sediment trace element concentrations did not characterize well bioavailable trace elements. Biota that integrated exposures over time and space within their home ranges better detected bioavailable contaminants than sediment. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;38:115-131. © 2018 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dean E Fletcher
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, Aiken, South Carolina, USA
| | - Angela H Lindell
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, Aiken, South Carolina, USA
| | - John C Seaman
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, Aiken, South Carolina, USA
| | - Paul T Stankus
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, Aiken, South Carolina, USA
| | - Nathaniel D Fletcher
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, Aiken, South Carolina, USA
| | | | | | - J Vaun McArthur
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, Aiken, South Carolina, USA
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Sharma VK, McDonald TJ, Sohn M, Anquandah GAK, Pettine M, Zboril R. Assessment of toxicity of selenium and cadmium selenium quantum dots: A review. CHEMOSPHERE 2017; 188:403-413. [PMID: 28892773 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2017.08.130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2017] [Revised: 07/27/2017] [Accepted: 08/24/2017] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
This paper reviews the current understanding of the toxicity of selenium (Se) to terrestrial mammalian and aquatic organisms. Adverse biological effects occur in the case of Se deficiencies, associated with this element having essential biological functions and a narrow window between essentiality and toxicity. Several inorganic species of Se (-2, 0, +4, and +6) and organic species (monomethylated and dimethylated) have been reported in aquatic systems. The toxicity of Se in any given sample depends not only on its speciation and concentration, but also on the concomitant presence of other compounds that may have synergistic or antagonistic effects, affecting the target organism as well, usually spanning 2 or 3 orders of magnitude for inorganic Se species. In aquatic ecosystems, indirect toxic effects, linked to the trophic transfer of excess Se, are usually of much more concern than direct Se toxicity. Studies on the toxicity of selenium nanoparticles indicate the greater toxicity of chemically generated selenium nanoparticles relative to selenium oxyanions for fish and fish embryos while oxyanions of selenium have been found to be more highly toxic to rats as compared to nano-Se. Studies on polymer coated Cd/Se quantum dots suggest significant differences in toxicity of weathered vs. non-weathered QD's as well as a significant role for cadmium with respect to toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virender K Sharma
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Texas A&M University, 1266 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843, USA; Regional Centre of Advanced Technologies and Materials, Department of Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Palacky University in Olomouc, 771 46, Olomouc, Czech Republic.
| | - Thomas J McDonald
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Texas A&M University, 1266 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Mary Sohn
- Department of Chemistry, Florida Institute of Technology, 150 West University, Boulevard, Melbourne, FL, 32901, USA
| | - George A K Anquandah
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, St Mary's University, 1 Camino Santa Maria, San Antonio, TX, 78228, USA
| | - Maurizio Pettine
- Istituto di Ricerca sulle Acque (IRSA)/Water Research Institute (IRSA), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR)/National Research Council, Via Salaria km 29,300 C.P. 10, 00015, Monterotondo, RM, Italy
| | - Radek Zboril
- Regional Centre of Advanced Technologies and Materials, Department of Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Palacky University in Olomouc, 771 46, Olomouc, Czech Republic
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Cooper Z, Bringolf R, Cooper R, Loftis K, Bryan AL, Martin JA. Heavy metal bioaccumulation in two passerines with differing migration strategies. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2017; 592:25-32. [PMID: 28292671 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.03.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2016] [Revised: 02/12/2017] [Accepted: 03/06/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Various anthropogenic activities have resulted in concentration of heavy metals and contamination of surrounding environments. Historically, heavy metal contamination at the Savannah River Site (SRS) in South Carolina has resulted from accidental releases of stored waste generated from nuclear weapon production in the early 1950s. Songbirds inhabiting and using resources from these areas have the potential to bioaccumulate metals but there is limited information on metal concentration levels in areas suspected of contamination as well as uncontaminated sites. Nonlethal tissues samples from avian blood and feathers provide a reliable approach for determining the bioavailability of these pollutants (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, Se, and Zn). The objectives of this study were to survey terrestrial heavy metal contamination at the SRS on potentially bioavailable contaminated (PBC) sites through blood and feather samples from resident Northern Cardinals (Cardinalis cardinalis) and migratory Great Crested Flycatchers (Myiarchus crinitus) and quantify sex-specific concentrations within species. Samples were collected in April to June of 2016. Cardinals had lower blood concentrations of Hg (β=-0.17, 85% CL=-0.26, -0.09) and Se (β=-0.33, 85% CL=-0.50, -0.16) than flycatchers. Cr feather concentrations were less in cardinals (β=-1.46, 85% CL=-2.44, -0.49) and all feathers of both species from reference locations had significantly less Zn (β=-67.92, 85% CL=-128.71, -7.14). Results indicate flycatchers were exposed to differing heavy metal levels during feather formation on their wintering grounds as compared to their recent exposure (through bloods samples) on their breeding grounds. Sex of individuals did not have a significant impact on bioaccumulation in either species. Overall, metal concentration levels in both species indicate minimal risk for acute toxicity; however, there is limited research on wild passerine populations with similar concentration levels. Therefore, further research on reproductive success of these birds should be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoë Cooper
- University of Georgia, Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, 180 E. Green St., Athens, GA 30602, USA; University of Georgia, Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, P.O. Drawer E, Aiken, SC 29803, USA.
| | - Robert Bringolf
- University of Georgia, Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, 180 E. Green St., Athens, GA 30602, USA.
| | - Robert Cooper
- University of Georgia, Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, 180 E. Green St., Athens, GA 30602, USA.
| | - Kathy Loftis
- University of Georgia, Center for Applied Isotope Studies, 120 Riverbend Rd., Athens, GA 30602, USA.
| | - Albert L Bryan
- University of Georgia, Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, P.O. Drawer E, Aiken, SC 29803, USA.
| | - James A Martin
- University of Georgia, Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, 180 E. Green St., Athens, GA 30602, USA; University of Georgia, Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, P.O. Drawer E, Aiken, SC 29803, USA.
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Oldenkamp RE, Bryan AL, Kennamer RA, Leaphart JC, Webster SC, Beasley JC. Trace elements and radiocesium in game species near contaminated sites. J Wildl Manage 2017. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.21314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ricki E. Oldenkamp
- University of Georgia, Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Warnell School of Forestry and Natural ResourcesP.O. Drawer E, AikenSC29802USA
| | - Albert L. Bryan
- University of Georgia, Savannah River Ecology LaboratoryP.O. Drawer E, AikenSC29802USA
| | - Robert A. Kennamer
- University of Georgia, Savannah River Ecology LaboratoryP.O. Drawer E, AikenSC29802USA
| | - James C. Leaphart
- University of Georgia, Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Warnell School of Forestry and Natural ResourcesP.O. Drawer E, AikenSC29802USA
| | - Sarah C. Webster
- University of Georgia, Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Warnell School of Forestry and Natural ResourcesP.O. Drawer E, AikenSC29802USA
| | - James C. Beasley
- University of Georgia, Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Warnell School of Forestry and Natural ResourcesP.O. Drawer E, AikenSC29802USA
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Trace element accumulation in lotic dragonfly nymphs: Genus matters. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0172016. [PMID: 28207806 PMCID: PMC5313161 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0172016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2016] [Accepted: 01/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Constituents of coal combustion waste (CCW) expose aquatic organisms to complex mixtures of potentially toxic metals and metalloids. Multi-element trace element analyses were used to distinguish patterns of accumulation among 8 genera of dragonfly nymphs collected from two sites on a CCW contaminated coastal plain stream. Dragonfly nymphs are exceptional for comparing trace element accumulation in syntopic macroinvertebrates that are all predators within the same order (Odonata) and suborder (Anisoptera), but differ vastly in habitat use and body form. Sixteen trace element (Be, V, Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Sr, Cd, Sb, Cs, Ba, Hg, Tl, and Pb) were analyzed and trophic position and basal carbon sources assessed with stable isotope analyses (C and N). Trophic positions varied within relatively narrow ranges. Size did not appear to influence trophic position. Trophic position rarely influenced trace element accumulation within genera and did not consistently correlate with accumulation among genera. Patterns between δ13C and trace element accumulation were generally driven by differences between sites. An increase in trace element accumulation was associated with a divergence of carbon sources between sites in two genera. Higher trace element concentrations tended to accumulate in nymphs from the upstream site, closer to contaminant sources. Influences of factors such as body form and habitat use appeared more influential on trace element accumulation than phylogeny for several elements (Ni, Ba, Sr, V, Be, Cd, and Cr) as higher concentrations accumulated in sprawler and the climber-sprawler genera, irrespective of family. In contrast, As and Se accumulated variably higher in burrowers, but accumulation in sprawlers differed between sites. Greater variation between genera than within genera suggests genus as an acceptable unit of comparison in dragonfly nymphs. Overall, taxonomic differences in trace element accumulation can be substantial, often exceeding variation between sites. Our results underscore the element and taxa specific nature of trace element accumulation, but we provide evidence of accumulation of some trace elements differing among dragonflies that differ in body form and utilize different sub-habitats within a stream reach.
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Sarmiento AM, Bonnail E, Nieto JM, DelValls Á. Bioavailability and toxicity of metals from a contaminated sediment by acid mine drainage: linking exposure-response relationships of the freshwater bivalve Corbicula fluminea to contaminated sediment. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2016; 23:22957-22967. [PMID: 27578093 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-016-7464-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2016] [Accepted: 08/10/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Streams and rivers strongly affected by acid mine drainage (AMD) have legal vacuum in terms of assessing the water toxicity, since the use of conventional environmental quality biomarkers is not possible due to the absence of macroinvertebrate organisms. The Asian clam Corbicula fluminea has been widely used as a biomonitor of metal contamination by AMD in freshwater systems. However, these clams are considered an invasive species in Spain and the transplantation in the field study is not allowed by the Environmental Protection Agency. To evaluate the use of the freshwater bivalve C. fluminea as a potential biomonitor for sediments contaminated by AMD, the metal bioavailability and toxicity were investigated in laboratory by exposure of clams to polluted sediments for 14 days. The studied sediments were classified as slightly contaminated with As, Cr, and Ni; moderately contaminated with Co; considerably contaminated with Pb; and heavily contaminated with Cd, Zn, and specially Cu, being reported as very toxic to Microtox. On the fourth day of the exposure, the clams exhibited an increase in concentration of Ga, Ba, Sb, and Bi (more than 100 %), followed by Co, Ni, and Pb (more than 60 %). After the fourth day, a decrease in concentration was observed for almost all metals studied except Ni. An allometric function was used to determine the relationship between the increases in metal concentration in soft tissue and the increasing bioavailable metal concentrations in sediments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aguasanta M Sarmiento
- Department of Earth Sciences, Faculty of Experimental Sciences, University of Huelva, Campus 'El Carmen', 21071, Huelva, Spain.
| | - Estefanía Bonnail
- UNESCO UNITWIN/WiCop, Department of Physical-Chemistry, Faculty of Marine and Environmental Sciences, University of Cádiz, Campus Río San Pedro, 11510 Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain
| | - José Miguel Nieto
- Department of Earth Sciences, Faculty of Experimental Sciences, University of Huelva, Campus 'El Carmen', 21071, Huelva, Spain
| | - Ángel DelValls
- UNESCO UNITWIN/WiCop, Department of Physical-Chemistry, Faculty of Marine and Environmental Sciences, University of Cádiz, Campus Río San Pedro, 11510 Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain
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McArthur JV, Fletcher DE, Tuckfield RC, Baker-Austin C. Patterns of Multi-Antibiotic-Resistant Escherichia Coli from Streams with No History of Antimicrobial Inputs. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2016; 72:840-850. [PMID: 26530280 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-015-0678-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2015] [Accepted: 09/15/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
A growing body of evidence suggests that contaminated environments may harbor a greater proportion of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms than unpolluted reference sites. Here, we report the screening of 427 Escherichia coli strains isolated from 11 locations on nine streams draining the US Department of Energy's Savannah River Site against a panel of five antibiotics. Streams were chosen to capture a wide range of watersheds from minimally disturbed to highly impacted. Overall, higher levels of resistance were found in waterborne E. coli that also generally exhibited low spatial variability. However, 3 of 11 locations also demonstrated elevated resistance levels in sediments. Two of these occurred in highly disturbed tributaries with no obvious sources of antimicrobials. To further investigate these patterns, we screened a subset of isolates obtained from three streams against 23 antibiotics or antibiotic combinations. A large proportion of these isolates (>40 %) demonstrated resistance to 10 or more antimicrobials, suggesting that environmental multi-antibiotic resistance may be prevalent in this bacterial commensal. Only 4 of 87 viable isolates were tested susceptible to all 23 antibiotics and combinations. Among these multi-antibiotic-resistant isolates, several demonstrated resistance to all structural classes of antimicrobial agents tested, including frontline antibiotics such as gatifloxacin and ciprofloxacin.
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Affiliation(s)
- J V McArthur
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, Drawer E, Aiken, SC, 29802, USA.
| | - D E Fletcher
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, Drawer E, Aiken, SC, 29802, USA
| | | | - C Baker-Austin
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Weymouth, Dorset, UK
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Fletcher DE, Lindell AH, Stillings GK, Mills GL, Blas SA, McArthur JV. Trophic Variation in Coastal Plain Stream Predatory Fishes. SOUTHEAST NAT 2015. [DOI: 10.1656/058.014.0217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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